Revelation 21:26
And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἴσουσιν
they shall bring
G5342
οἴσουσιν
they shall bring
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
2 of 11
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
4 of 11
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
7 of 11
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
of the nations
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
9 of 11
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Historical Context
Ancient cities received tribute from subject nations, demonstrating their dominance. This vision transforms that imagery—nations freely bring their glory to honor God, not under coercion. The inclusion of nations fulfills Abrahamic promises that all peoples would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). First-century Jewish-Gentile tensions made this vision of unified worship profoundly significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the preservation of nations' glory in the new creation affirm that your cultural heritage and achievements, when sanctified, have eternal value?
- What does the continuous bringing of glory (no night to cease activity) teach about the new creation's dynamic, active nature rather than passive eternal rest?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nations bringing their glory and honor into the city indicates that redeemed cultural achievements are preserved and sanctified in the new creation. Reformed theology affirms that redemption restores and perfects creation rather than annihilating it. The nations' contributions show that diverse peoples each bring unique gifts to glorify God. This fulfills prophetic visions (Isaiah 60:5, 11) of nations streaming to Zion. The absence of night (v. 25) means continuous worship and activity—no need for rest from labor since work is now perfectly fulfilling.